Maryland House Republicans say the state needs better management of transportation revenue, not more taxes.

But Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller responded Tuesday by calling them "Neanderthals in terms of their thinking."

The House GOP criticized several proposals made by the Senate president, including a 3 percent sales tax on a gallon of gas.

Delegate Herb McMillan, R-Anne Arundel, says the state has been spending too much on mass transit and not enough on the roads used by most residents.

Delegate Susan Krebs, R-Carroll, also criticized as insufficient Miller's proposal to make it harder for transportation revenue to be shifted to plug other budget holes.

Krebs also says it would be wrong to raise any tax on gasoline when gas prices are averaging $3.74-per gallon in Maryland, and the price has increased in recent weeks.

Miller, D-Calvert, says House members who oppose moving forward are obstructionists who are putting their political careers ahead of the needs of the state.

Miller said Senate Republicans are different, and many see the need for raising transportation revenue.

Miller also thinks the issue of transportation funding will not move forward in the legislature until Governor Martin O'Malley introduces his own plan.

Miller's bill will be the focus of a Senate Budget & Taxation Committee hearing tomorrow.

Late today, House Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell and House Minority Whip Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio issued a statement in response to Miller's criticism:

ôWe were disappointed in the remarks made by Senate President Miller earlier today. We simply disagree on a fundamental philosophical issue û that is hardly a reason to resort to name calling. However, his remarks are indicative of the lack of civil discourse that prevents good public policy from moving forward in Maryland.

We agree with President Miller that transportation needs to be a priority for the 2013 Session and applaud his efforts to bring this issue to the forefront when other Democratic leaders have not. However, we feel that his proposal is not the best option for the citizens of Maryland. We welcome the opportunity to have a productive and respectful dialogue on this issue. Anything less is a disservice to the citizens of Maryland.ö